Portable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer

ABSTRACT

A portable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer preferably includes an arm rest assembly, a desktop assembly, a column assembly and a base assembly. The base assembly is attached to a bottom of the column assembly. The arm rest assembly is attached to a top of the column assembly. The desktop assembly is moveably retained by the arm rest assembly. The collapsible writing desk may rest on the base assembly, or rest on an end of the desktop assembly and an edge of the column assembly. A retractable handle may be extended to carry the portable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer like a suitcase.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/196,901, filed, Aug. 22, 2008, entitled PortableCollapsible Writing Desk For A Notebook Computer, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/957,297, filed onAug. 22, 2007, entitled, Portable Desk, the prior applications areherewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable desks and moreparticularly to a portable collapsible writing desk for a notebookcomputer, which can be quickly deployed in several styles andconfigurations so as to provide a writing surface and/or support fornotebook computers.

Description of the Prior Art

Home, educational and professional activities typically associated withnotebook computers are widespread. There are times when travelers andstudents need a writing surface as well as a support surface for anotebook computer. The use of notebook computers in the home or familyroom requires a temporary support structure to prevent the typicalimpact damage caused when attempting to use the notebook computer whileseated on a sofa or chair. Balancing the notebook computer on your lapor chair arm can result in damaged data drives.

Typical classroom student desks lack portability and are very clumsy tomove and store. In most cases, the student desks lack adjustment forheight or desktop inclination and generally include small writingsurfaces. In most cases, student desk designs predate the existence ofnotebook computers and thus make no accommodation for notebookcomputers.

Travelers with notebook computers have very similar needs to that ofstudents. Business travelers with notebook computers have become themost common type of airline passenger. There is a common need for thebusiness professionals to access their notebook computers quickly andmomentarily in adverse conditions such as waiting lounges and airportterminals.

Accordingly, there is an established need for a portable collapsiblewriting desk for a notebook computer, which is portable, versatile,includes a quickly deployable desk surface that can be fully functionalas a desktop, yet collapsible to relocate or store as a piece ofluggage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a portable collapsible writing deskfor a notebook computer, which functions to overcome the variousdisadvantages of the fixed student desk style structures.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable collapsiblewriting desk for a notebook computer having a base assembly, a columnassembly, a desktop assembly and an armrest assembly.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer having a deployablecarrying handle that allows thereof to be transported like a suitcase.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook that includes a desktop assemblythat may be rotated, adjusted for height and adjusted for angularinclination relative to a base assembly through a column assembly.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer that preferablyincludes at least three control buttons for adjusting the height,rotation and angular inclination of a desktop assembly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer that includes anaccessory drawer and a notebook battery compartment.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer that includes a baseassembly having a stabilizing member that pivots relative to the baseassembly for providing lateral support.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer that includes a lockingmechanism for maintaining a desktop assembly at a particular elevationrelative to a base assembly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer, which may be used whena user is seated on a sofa, a chair or any other support surface.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is also provided, inaccordance with the invention a portable collapsible writing deskincludes a base and an armrest spaced apart from the base. The armresthas a planar surface for supporting a user's arm thereon. A columnconnects the base to the armrest. A desktop has a vertical desktopextended position, the desktop has a horizontal position with an outersurface of the desktop that defines a desk working surface beingsubstantially level with the planar surface of the armrest. The desktopis linearly slidable along the armrest from the vertical desktopextended position to a desktop nesting position in which the desktop isdisposed between the base and the armrest.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is also provided, inaccordance with the invention a portable collapsible writing deskincludes a base and an armrest spaced apart from the base. The armresthas a planar surface for supporting a user's arm thereon. A columnconnects the base to the armrest. The armrest is a cantilever with afirst end affixed on the column and a second free end opposite the firstend. A desktop has a trailing edge and a leading edge relative to anextension direction of the desktop. The desktop has a vertical desktopextended position in which the trailing edge is extended beyond thesecond free end of the armrest. The desktop has a horizontal positionwith an outer surface of the desktop being substantially level with theplanar surface of the armrest and the trailing edge adjacent the secondfree end. The desktop is linearly slidable along the armrest from thevertical desktop extended position to a desktop nesting position inwhich the desktop is disposed between the base and the armrest with thetrailing edge adjacent the column.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawingsand the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be describedin conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and notto limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable collapsible writing desk fora notebook computer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable collapsible writing desk fora notebook computer in a transportation position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portable collapsible writing desk for anotebook computer with a desktop assembly in a first stage ofdeployment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portable collapsible writing desk fora notebook computer in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portable collapsible writing desk for anotebook computer in with a desktop assembly in a final stage ofdeployment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable collapsible writing desk fora notebook computer in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portable collapsible writing desk fora notebook computer with a desktop assembly and a stabilizing memberdeployed for left hand use.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portable collapsible writing desk fora notebook computer with a desktop assembly and a stabilizing memberdeployed for right hand use.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a portable collapsible writing desk for anotebook computer with a desktop assembly and a stabilizing memberdeployed for right hand use with an accessory drawer and a battery doorshown in the open positions.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a desk assembly of a portable collapsiblewriting desk for a notebook computer showing the rotatable feature ofthe armrest and desk assembly.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a desk assembly of a portable collapsiblewriting desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a desk assembly of a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer showing the rotatablefeature of the armrest and desk assembly.

FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of the desktop assembly of a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an armrest assembly of desk assembly of aportable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the base assembly of desk assembly of aportable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 16 is a partial schematical front view of the base assembly of deskassembly of a portable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the base assembly of desk assembly of aportable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the column assembly of a portablecollapsible writing desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the desktop assembly in a vertical position ofa portable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the desktop assembly in a horizontal positionof a portable collapsible writing desk for a notebook computer.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of a desk taken along lines 22-22 fromFIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-section view of a desk assembly showngenerally by the circle in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an exploded side view of the general region of the upperportion of the column assembly as it intersects the rear portion of thearmrest assembly of a portable collapsible writing desk for a notebookcomputer.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the general region of theupper portion of the column assembly as it intersects the rear portionof the armrest assembly of a portable collapsible writing desk for anotebook computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is generallydirected towards a portable collapsible writing desk for a notebookcomputer, which functions to overcome the various disadvantages of thefixed student desks.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, the portable collapsible writing desk for anotebook computer (collapsible writing desk) 10 preferably includes anarm rest assembly 20, a desktop assembly 30, a column assembly 40 and abase assembly 50. The base assembly 50 is attached to a bottom of thecolumn assembly 40. The arm rest assembly is attached to a top of thecolumn assembly 40. The desktop assembly 30 is moveably retained by thearm rest assembly 20. The collapsible writing desk 10 may rest on thebase assembly 50, or rest on an end of the desktop assembly 30 and anedge of the column assembly.

Referring briefly to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the desktop assembly 30includes a first housing member 32 a, a second housing member 32 b, twosurface pads 33 and a writing tablet 34. The second housing member 32 bis a mirror image of the first housing member 32 a. A plurality of holesare formed through the first housing member 32 a, the second housingmember 32 b and the two surface pads 33 to provide air flow from aninternal fan 35. The internal fan 35 is retained between the first andsecond housing members. The internal fan 35 is supplied with electricalpower through a battery or the like (not shown) . The air flow is usedto cool a notebook computer placed on the desktop assembly 30. A singlesurface pad 33 is secured to a top of the first housing member 32 a anda bottom of the second housing member 32 b. The two surface pads 33 arepreferably fabricated from a sticky nonskid rubberized material. Thenonskid surface of the two the surface pads 33 prevents a notebookcomputer from sliding or moving when placed on the desktop assembly 30.FIG. 14 shows the desktop assembly 30.

The writing tablet 34 is slidably retained between the first and secondhousing members. The writing tablet 34 may also be used as a mouse pad,to support an electronic writing tablet or to support an input devicefor a notebook computer. A stop plate 64 extends from an end of one ofthe first and second housing members. The stop plate 64 is fabricatedfrom a magnetic material. A magnet push latch 36 is attached of an endof the writing tablet 34. The stop plate 64 and the magnet push latch 36prevent the writing tablet 34 from sliding out of the desktop assembly30.

A paper clip 31 is preferably retained on an outside edge of the firstand second housing members. The paper clip 31 is released by exertingpressure on a forward edge of the desktop assembly 30. The first andsecond housing members are preferably secured to each other withthreaded fasteners 71, 72 and threaded nuts 39. A slide rod cavity 90and a rod clearance slot 92 are formed in an inside surface of the firstand second housing members to receive a sliding rod bearing 37.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 13-FIG. 25 the arm rest assembly 20 includesa hub ring 21, a mounting hub 22, the slide rod bearing 37 and an armrest member 23. The arm rest member 23 includes a hub bore for receivingthe mounting hub 22. The mounting hub 22 is retained in the hub borewith a retention pin 74. A cup holder cavity 142 is formed in the armrest member 23 to receive a retractable cup holder 24. The mounting hub22 includes a partial flange 94 formed on a bottom thereof. A rod bore96 is formed in the mounting hub 22 to rotatably receive one end of theslide rod bearing 37. A plurality of spline slots 93 are formed around aperimeter of the slide rod bearing 37 at the one end of thereof. Aspring plate 27 is located on a top of the hub bore and presses a splinepin 28 into one of the plurality of spline slots 93 for preventing therotation of the slide rod bearing 37 relative to the arm rest member 23.

A fastener countersink 97 is formed in the mounting hub 22 to receive athreaded fastener 73 for axially retaining the slide rod bearing 37 inthe rod bore 96. A capture pin 98 is inserted through the other end ofthe slide rod bearing 37. The slide rod cavity 90 is sized to receivethe capture pin 98. A tube counterbore 99 is formed in a bottom of themounting hub 22 to receive an inner tube of the column assembly 40. Aplurality of index grooves 100 are formed in a bottom of the partialflange 94 to receive an index projection 102 of a locking pin 29. Thelocking pin 29 also includes an inclined edge 104 formed on a bottomthereof.

The hub ring 21 includes a button projection 106 to retain a rotationbutton 43. A tube bore 108 is formed through the hub ring 21 to receivethe inner tube. The rotation button 43 includes an indexing projection112. An inclined slot 110 is formed in the indexing projection 112 toreceive the inclined edge 104. A button counterbore 114 and a projectionbore 116 are formed in the button projection 106 to receive the rotationbutton 43. Pushing the rotation button 43 removes the index projection102 from one of the plurality of indexing grooves 100 to allow the armrest assembly 20 to rotate relative to the column assembly 40. Releasingthe rotation button 43 locks the arm rest assembly 20 relative to thecolumn assembly 40.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 16-19, the base assembly 50 includes astabilizer member 51, a pivoting member 52, a base member 54, a ratchet60 and a ratchet plate 61. The pivoting member 52 is attached to abottom of the column assembly 40 with a plurality of threaded fasteners76. One end of the pivoting member 52 is pivotally secured to a firstend of the base member 54 with a pivot pin 59. A tube boss extends froma top of the pivoting member 52 at a first end thereof. An outerperimeter of the tube boss is sized to receive an inner perimeter of anouter tube 82 of the column assembly 40. A pair of opposing feet 118extends from a bottom of the base member 54 to provide clearance for thestabilizing member 51.

The stabilizing member 51 is pivotally retained on a bottom of the basemember 54. A pivot boss 66 is formed on a bottom of the base member 54.A cam surface 68 is formed on a bottom of the stabilizing member 51. Aboss bore 69 is formed through the cam surface 68 to receive the pivotboss 66. A pivot arm 53 is attached to the pivot boss 66 with twofasteners 77. A spring plunger is 57 is retained in the pivot arm 53 toride against the cam surface 68 and thus maintain the stabilizing member51 parallel to the base member 54 or perpendicular to the base member.

A first end of a ratchet plate 61 is pivotally attached to the pivotingmember 52 with a pair of pivot pins 62. A ratchet 60 includes a ratchetprojection 120 formed on a first end that extends from opposing sidesthereof. A second end of the ratchet 60 is pivotally secured to a secondend of the base member 54. A pair of guide loops 122 extend from abottom of the ratchet plate 61. The pair of guide loops 122 are sized toreceive and retain the ratchet projection 120. A top of the ratchetprojection 120 engages a ratchet surface 124 formed on a bottom of thepivoting member 52, adjacent the pair of guide loops 122.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 10 and 20-25, the column assembly includes acolumn assembly 40 includes the inner tube 81, the outer tube 82, afirst end cover member 46, a second end cover member 126 and a pair ofside plates 128. The base member 54 is attached to a bottom of the firstend cover plate 46 and the pair of side plates 128 with the plurality ofthreaded fasteners 76. A drawer slide 130 is retained between the pairof side plates 128. The drawer slide 130 slidably retains a drawer 47. Abattery cover 48 is removably retained between the first and second sideplates 128.

A handle opening 132 is formed through the first end cover member 46. Apair of handle lugs 134 are attached to an outside wall of the outertube 82. A pair of handle extensions 136 are looped through a handle 44and engaged with the pair of handle lugs 134. An inner spacer 25includes an inner perimeter for firmly receiving an outer perimeter ofthe inner tube. An outer spacer 26 includes an inner perimeter forslidably receiving an outer perimeter of the inner spacer 25. An innerperimeter of the first end cover member 46, the second end cover member126 and the pair of side plates 128 at a top thereof are sized toreceive an outer perimeter of the outer spacer 26.

A plurality of height adjustment steps 85 are formed on an outerperimeter of the inner tube. A height control button 41 is retained in aside wall of the outer tube 82. Depressing the height control button 41and lifting the armrest assembly 20 affects the vertical heightadjustment of the armrest assembly 20.

An inclination button 42 is retained on the outer tube 82. Depressingthe inclination button 42 causes a control rod 86 to move in a downwardmovement. The downward movement of the control rod 86 pushes the ratchetplate 61, which in turn releases the ratchet 60. Releasing theinclination button 42 raises the control rod 86 and reengages theratchet 60 with the ratchet plate 61, locking further inclinationmovements.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

I claim:
 1. A portable collapsible writing desk comprising: a base; anarmrest spaced apart from said base, said armrest having a planarsurface for supporting a user's arm thereon; a column connecting saidbase to said armrest; said armrest being a cantilever with a first endaffixed on said column and a second free end opposite said first end; adesktop having a vertical desktop extended position, said desktop havinga horizontal position with an outer surface of said desktop defining adesk working surface, said outer surface being substantially level withsaid planar surface et said armrest; said desktop being linearlyslidable along said armrest from said vertical desktop extended positionto a desktop nesting position in which said desktop is disposed directlyunderneath said armrest and between said base and said armrest.
 2. Aportable collapsible writing desk comprising: a base; an armrest spacedapart from said base, said armrest having a planar surface; a columnconnecting said base to said armrest; said armrest being a cantileverwith a first end affixed on said column and a second free end oppositesaid first end; a desktop having a trailing edge and a leading edgerelative to an extension direction of said desktop, said desktop havinga vertical desktop extended position in which said trailing edge isextended beyond said second free end of said armrest, said desktophaving a horizontal position with an outer surface of said desktop beingsubstantially level with said planar surface of said armrest and saidtrailing edge adjacent said second tree end; said desktop being linearlyslidable along said armrest from said vertical desktop extended positionto a desktop nesting position in which said desktop is disposed directlyunderneath said armrest and between said base and said armrest with saidtrailing edge adjacent said column.